Northern Sun Energy has announced plans for its first project in Illinois—a 7.5-MWp fixed-tilt solar array paired with 1,050 kVA of battery storage that will directly supply power to Prysmian Group’s cable manufacturing plant in Du Quoin. The system, designed to cut the facility’s reliance on the grid and support its transition to cleaner operations, marks the developer’s expansion into the Midwest.
The fixed-tilt array, developed in partnership with PowerFlex, comprises more than 10,800 modules and a Tesla Megapack 2XL battery system. When operational, the installation would supply roughly half of the plant’s electricity requirements, reducing the demand on the local grid while contributing toward Prysmian’s goals of reducing operational emissions. The Du Quoin facility produces copper medium-voltage cables used in sectors including renewable energy and data centers.
Northern Sun Energy said the project expands its footprint into the Midcontinent Independent System Operator region at a time of growing industrial clean-energy demand. “Working on this site with Prysmian and our repeat client, PowerFlex, reflects what we’re here to do: deliver practical, well-engineered clean energy systems that support local industry, help manage grid demand, and build long-term energy resilience,” said Scott Pfaff, vice president of construction operations and managing partner at Northern Sun Energy.
Greenhouse gas emissions
For Prysmian, this project furthers its goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and achieving net-zero emissions throughout the value chain by 2035. It will also take part in the Illinois Shines clean-energy program run by the Illinois Power Agency, purchasing renewable energy credits created by distributed solar projects.
“As we continue to produce essential cables for electrification and data centers, we are proud to partner with Northern Sun Energy and PowerFlex to help produce those products using energy from this new solar array,” said Paul Furtado, COO of Prysmian North America.
The project is expected to complete interconnection by December 2025.
Illinois is rapidly expanding its renewable energy footprint, with new projects emerging across the state. Recently, Arevon broke ground on the $200 million Big Muddy Solar Plant in Southern Illinois, highlighting the region’s growing role in clean energy development.
Factsheet: Northern Sun Energy – Prysmian Du Quoin Solar + Storage
Project Overview
Northern Sun Energy’s first Illinois project pairs solar generation with battery storage to directly power Prysmian’s cable manufacturing facility in Du Quoin, marking the company’s expansion into the MISO market.
Key Specifications
Solar Capacity: 7.5 MWp fixed tilt array
Battery Storage: 1,050 kVA Tesla Megapack 2XL
Solar Modules: 10,800+ units
Location: Du Quoin, Illinois
Interconnection: December 2025
Project Stakeholders
Owner/Operator: Northern Sun Energy
Developer Partner: PowerFlex
Offtaker: Prysmian North America (cable manufacturing plant)
Technology Partner: Tesla (battery storage)
Project Benefits
Energy Impact
Provides 50% of facility’s production energy needs
Reduces grid reliance for major industrial operations
Alleviates strain on local transmission infrastructure
Sustainability Goals
Supports Prysmian’s 90% Scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction target
Contributes to net zero value chain commitment by 2035
Generates RECs through Illinois Shines program (IPA)
Economic Impact
Created local trade jobs in Du Quoin area
One of region’s few distributed projects serving major industrial facility
